Meaning can be found in everything - even a friendly international, in the midst to a rip-roaring title race, which has suffered from more withdrawals than Northern Rock on a fraught Monday morning. The build-up to this match focused on those who weren't here. A raft of absentees had weakened Burley's squad for his first match in charge, but there was still plenty at stake for those who remained, not least their new manager.

The steely glare in Stephen McManus's eyes before kick-off suggested this was not a match he would be taking lightly. The Celtic defender captained his country for the first time last night and described it pre-match as the biggest honour of is career. Darren Fletcher had raised himself from his sick bed to make it along.

This was also the biggest night in Steven Fletcher's burgeoning career. The Hibernian striker, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday, was taken out of the under-21 squad for their competitive match against Finland to join up with Burley's squad. It was deserved recognition for his impressive season to date, which has included 14 strikes.

As for Scott Brown, the Celtic midfielder's attendance was never in doubt. He would treat a game of chippy-in down the park like it was the World Cup final. In the first half, he was in full Duracell-bunny mode, careering around Hampden's wide open spaces with puce-faced pugnacity. Guess what? He got booked. And, yes, he did deserve it. As half-time approached, he also got clattered, which must have caused Gordon Strachan a few tense moments. He was back on his feet as the half-time whistle blew, however, cursing into the night air as he swaggered up the tunnel.

The start of the World Cup qualifying campaign in September still seems a long way off, but with only two more friendlies between now and then, last night was an important evening for Burley. His initial 4-1-4-1 line-up, with Miller as the lone striker, hinted at consolidation, but his plans soon unravelled. His side started the game at a snail's pace and deservedly fell behind from Niko Kranjcar's strike after 10 minutes.

In the 18th minute Burley wandered out to the edge of his technical area like a retired gent taking a morning stroll among his flowerbeds. Hands thrust in his pockets, the new Scotland manager seemed a mite confused by his side's anaemic start. So were the rest of us. In the opposing dug-out, the eccentric Slaven Bilic slouched at the edge of his technical area. Sporting a beanie hat, the Croatia manager surveyed the scene before him look an emperor looking over his kingdom.

As Scotland continued to chase shadows, their manager came to life on the sidelines. Steven Fletcher was urged to drift infield more from his left midfield station, then came the familiar forward motion as Burley cajoled his side to try to cross the halfway line. It worked. As the half-hour mark approached, Fletcher arrowed a pass down the left wing, which Robert Kovac missed to allow Miller through on goal. The Derby striker's meaty effort from the left side of the box was deflected off Josip Simunic and the ball screamed into the top corner of the net. Scotland's players celebrated in style. Meaningless? Aye right.

Gavin Rae for Steven Fletcher was Burley's only half-time substitution, perhaps reflecting the Scotland manager's desire to get a result in his first match in charge. For sections of the match, Croatia pinged the ball around the home side with composure and conviction and Gordon had to look lively a couple of times.

The introduction of Kris Boyd for the ineffective Shaun Maloney with 20 minutes left warmed the cockles of the Tartan Army, who steeled themselves for a final effort. With the emphasis now firmly on attack, this was more like the Burley we had come to expect. As the game slipped into the final quarter, the Scotland manager was at the edge of his technical area once again, driving his players forward. Alan Hutton seized the initiative with a swashbuckling run through the middle of the defence, before laying it off for Boyd, who unleashed a powerful effort.

Scotland finished on the front foot, with Gavin Rae's whipped cross just failing to reach Boyd and McManus then flashing a header inches wide. It was an encouraging sight which belied their manager's increasingly enterprising approach and his players' continued commitment. Never mind those who didn't play last night. Those that did put in an admirable shift.